[2025–2026 Guide] How to Migrate to Australia as a Chef: Pathways, Points & Process

TL;DR: You can migrate to Australia as a chef through skilled independent, state-nominated, regional, or employer-sponsored visas, provided you secure a positive skills assessment from Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) and meet points and eligibility criteria. The occupation is in high demand and listed on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), offering clear pathways to permanent residency for qualified culinary professionals.

Australia’s vibrant food scene and booming hospitality sector have created a sustained, nationwide demand for skilled chefs. With the occupation listed on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), qualified chefs have multiple viable pathways to secure Australian work rights and permanent residency. This guide breaks down the 2025–2026 process, from mandatory skills assessment to visa lodgement, providing a clear roadmap for your migration journey.

Why Chefs Are in High Demand for Australian Migration

Australia faces a structural shortage of skilled chefs. Industry growth, a resurgence in tourism, and an aging domestic workforce have created a critical need for qualified culinary professionals. This demand is formally recognised by the Australian government through the occupation’s placement on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). This official designation is crucial—it makes ‘Chef’ (ANZSCO 351311) eligible for the most sought-after permanent skilled migration visas, including the Subclass 189, 190, and 186. In essence, the system is explicitly designed to attract talent like yours, transforming a career skill into a valuable asset for migration.

Core Eligibility: The Non-Negotiable Requirements for Chef Migration

To be considered for a skilled visa as a chef, you must satisfy several foundational requirements. These are non-negotiable checkpoints set by the Department of Home Affairs and the assessing authority.

First, you need formal qualifications and experience. Typically, this means a relevant Certificate III or IV in Commercial Cookery (or equivalent) combined with at least three years of full-time, post-qualification work experience as a chef. Second, you must prove your English language proficiency, usually through tests like IELTS, PTE Academic, or TOEFL iBT, with minimum scores required (often ‘Competent’ English, which is IELTS 6.0 in each band). Finally, you must meet standard age, health, and character requirements. Most skilled visas have an age limit of 45 at the time of invitation, and all applicants must undergo health examinations and provide police clearance certificates.

The Gateway: Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) Skills Assessment

Before you can apply for any skilled visa, you must obtain a positive skills assessment from Trades Recognition Australia (TRA). This process verifies that your qualifications, employment history, and practical skills meet Australian industry standards.

For chefs, the two primary assessment pathways are:

• Job Ready Program (JRP): For those who have completed a relevant Australian qualification. It involves a series of steps including a provisional skills assessment, job placement, and workplace assessments.
• Offshore Skills Assessment Program (OSAP): For chefs trained overseas. This pathway involves a documentary evidence review and often a technical interview or practical assessment to demonstrate your skills.

Securing this assessment is the most critical technical step in your application. Inaccurate or insufficient documentation here is a leading cause of delays and rejections. Tools like NovenAI’s migration mentor can help demystify this process by providing tailored, up-to-date checklists and document guidance based on the latest TRA criteria, helping you prepare a watertight application from the start.

Comparing Your Visa Pathways: 189, 190, 491, 482 & 186

Choosing the right visa is strategic. Your choice will depend on your points score, willingness to live in specific regions, and ability to secure a job offer. Here’s a comparison of the main options:

For most independent migrants, the Subclass 190 (State Nominated) and Subclass 491 (Regional) visas are the most accessible permanent pathways. States with strong hospitality sectors, like New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, and Western Australia, frequently invite chefs. The Subclass 491 is particularly advantageous as it grants an additional 15 points, significantly boosting your competitiveness.

Mastering the Points Test: How to Score 65+ as a Chef

The points test is the competitive engine for the 189, 190, and 491 visas. You need a minimum of 65 points to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI), but in practice, invitation scores for chefs can be higher. Points are awarded for:

• Age: Maximum points (30) for applicants aged 25-32.
• English Language: ‘Superior’ (IELTS 8) earns 20 points; ‘Proficient’ (IELTS 7) earns 10.
• Skilled Employment: Up to 15 points for 8+ years of overseas experience, or up to 20 for Australian experience.
• Qualifications: 15 points for a bachelor’s degree or higher, including trade qualifications like a Diploma.
• Regional Study/Sponsorship: 5 points for a 190 nomination, 15 points for a 491 nomination.
• Partner Skills: Points may be available if your partner has competent English and a suitable skills assessment.

Pro Tip: For chefs, maximising points often comes down to English language scores and securing state nomination. Investing in English test preparation to achieve ‘Proficient’ or ‘Superior’ level can be the single biggest boost to your score. Use a reliable EOI Points Calculator, like the one offered for free by NovenAI, to model different scenarios and identify your strongest pathway.

Your Step-by-Step Migration Action Plan

1. Confirm Occupation & Eligibility: Verify ‘Chef’ (351311) is on the current MLTSSL. Review all core eligibility requirements.
2. Initiate Skills Assessment: Gather evidence and apply for your TRA skills assessment via the correct pathway (JRP or OSAP). This step takes time—start early.
3. Take an English Test: Sit for PTE Academic or IELTS to obtain a formal score. Aim for ‘Proficient’ (IELTS 7) or higher to maximise points.
4. Calculate Your Points: Accurately calculate your score. For precise modelling, use a dedicated tool like the NovenAI Points Calculator.
5. Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI): Create and submit a detailed EOI in SkillSelect. For state-nominated visas (190/491), select all states you are interested in.
6. Secure Nomination/Sponsorship: If applying for a 190 or 491, research and apply for nomination from a state government once invited. For a 482/186, secure a job offer from an approved employer.
7. Lodge Visa Application: Upon receiving an invitation to apply (ITA), you typically have 60 days to lodge your formal visa application with all supporting documents.

Job Market and Regional Opportunities

Chefs are needed beyond metropolitan fine-dining restaurants. Opportunities abound in:

• Regional hubs like Newcastle, Geelong, the Gold Coast, or Cairns.
• Resort towns and tourism hotspots.
• Catering companies and large-scale institutional kitchens.

Choosing to work in regional Australia is not a compromise—it’s a strategic advantage for migration. The Subclass 491 visa is designed for these areas and offers a faster route to permanent residency. Many regional communities actively seek skilled chefs and may offer additional support through designated migration programs.

Final Checklist and Next Steps

Migrating as a chef is a structured but detailed process. Before you begin, ensure you have:

• [ ] A formal qualification in commercial cookery.
• [ ] At least 3 years of documented, full-time chef experience.
• [ ] A plan for your TRA skills assessment (JRP/OSAP).
• [ ] A booked English language test.
• [ ] A clear understanding of your points score and target visa.

The landscape of Australian immigration is complex and can change. While the demand for chefs is stable, invitation rounds and state nomination criteria fluctuate. Relying on outdated information is a common pitfall. This is where a smart, always-updated resource is invaluable. NovenAI provides real-time policy alerts and an AI migration mentor that acts like a 24/7 consultant, helping you navigate each step with confidence, from skills assessment to visa grant.

Ready to turn your culinary expertise into an Australian future? Start your journey with a clear, personalised plan. Explore your visa options and get a free points assessment at NovenAI today.